DTU Aqua invites applications for a PhD position focused on fish vaccinology and immunology, with the aim of advancing sustainable aquaculture. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of innovative vaccines and vaccination strategies for farmed fish, addressing challenges in early disease prophylaxis, especially for small-sized fish. The research will explore nanoparticle-based approaches and mucosal vaccine delivery, including administration via live feed organisms, to enhance immune response and vaccine uptake.

The project is embedded in externally funded national and international collaborations, offering opportunities to work with research groups at other universities and industry partners both within and outside Denmark. The candidate will gain expertise in laboratory techniques such as bacterial and viral culture, fish cell cultures, transcriptomics, immunoassays, antigen tracking, and animal trials involving rainbow trout and other fish species. The Section for Fish and Shellfish Diseases, located in Kgs. Lyngby near Copenhagen, provides state-of-the-art facilities and is recognized as the National and EU reference laboratory for fish, crustacean, and mollusc diseases.

Responsibilities include developing hypotheses, designing and conducting experiments, analyzing data, publishing findings, and communicating results to stakeholders. Specific tasks involve gene expression analysis, vaccine formulation optimization, vaccination trials, immune response monitoring, data interpretation, completion of relevant educational courses, collaboration with external partners, dissemination of results in peer-reviewed journals, conference participation, engagement in ongoing projects, and teaching activities related to disease control in aquaculture.

Applicants must hold a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or equivalent. Preferred qualifications include research experience in fish vaccine research, transcriptomic methods, microbiology, molecular biology, pharmacology, immunology, statistical bioinformatics, programming (R/Python), strong English communication skills, teamwork, independence, responsibility, creativity, and motivation. Personal suitability is emphasized. The scholarship is subject to academic approval and enrolment in a DTU PhD programme.

DTU is a globally recognized technical university offering a rewarding and challenging international environment. The appointment is based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations, with salary and allowance determined by union agreement. The position is full-time for three years, starting 1 June 2026 or as soon as possible. DTU Aqua supports a diverse and inclusive workplace, with regular activities across Denmark and Greenland, and a large network of collaborators.

For further information, visit DTU Aqua and the Section for Fish and Shellfish Diseases. The application deadline is 12 March 2026. Apply online via the provided link, submitting all materials in English as one PDF file. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of background. DTU may conduct open-source background checks due to research in critical technology.